London Borough of Havering v Stokes & Ors [2025] EWHC 2603 (KB) (13 October 2025)

London Borough of Havering v Stokes & Ors [2025] EWHC 2603 (KB) (13 October 2025)

There has been no material change of circumstances since the previous judgment. The injunction has been effective in reducing unauthorised encampments, and the threat persists. The reduction in encampments is evidence of the injunction's effectiveness, not of the dissipation of the threat. Relief from sanctions for late service on Sensitive Site 300 is appropriate and proportionate. The injunction should be renewed for 12 months against persons unknown, with modifications for service on LGT, suspension for 28 days on Site 300, and the formalisation of the negotiated tolerance policy.

Citation
[2025] EWHC 2603 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: London Borough of Havering; Defendant: William Stokes; Defendant: Other Named Defendants (2-105); Defendant: Persons Unknown forming unauthorised encampments within the London Borough of Havering
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
13 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Injunction Renewal Application / Post Judgment Review and Renewal Hearing
Outcome
Injunction renewed for 12 months against persons unknown, with modifications.
Legal Topics
Injunctions Against Persons Unknown, Unauthorised Encampments, Gypsy and Traveller Rights, Relief From Sanctions, Planning Law
Civil Procedure Local Government Law Human Rights Injunctions Against Persons Unknown Unauthorised Encampments Gypsy and Traveller Rights Relief From Sanctions Planning Law

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Parties

London Borough of Havering

Claimant

William Stokes

Defendant

Other Named Defendants (2-105)

Defendant

Persons Unknown forming unauthorised encampments within the London Borough of Havering

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Injunction Renewal Application / Post Judgment Review and Renewal Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to renew an injunction against persons unknown forming unauthorised encampments
  2. 2 Whether relief from sanctions should be granted for late service on Sensitive Site 300
  3. 3 Whether the reduction in unauthorised encampments justifies discharge or continuation of the injunction

Ratio Decidendi

There has been no material change of circumstances since the previous judgment. The injunction has been effective in reducing unauthorised encampments, and the threat persists. The reduction in encampments is evidence of the injunction's effectiveness, not of the dissipation of the threat. Relief from sanctions for late service on Sensitive Site 300 is appropriate and proportionate. The injunction should be renewed for 12 months against persons unknown, with modifications for service on LGT, suspension for 28 days on Site 300, and the formalisation of the negotiated tolerance policy.

Court Disposition

Injunction renewed for 12 months against persons unknown, with modifications.

Orders

  • Injunction extended for 12 months against persons unknown forming unauthorised encampments on 291 specified Sensitive Sites within the London Borough of Havering.
  • Operation of the injunction suspended for 28 days as regards Sensitive Site 300.